National

Deaths of B.C. homeless people up by 75% in 2021

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Oct, 2022 12:33 PM

VANCOUVER - The BC Coroners Service says deaths of homeless people in the province jumped 75 per cent in 2021 compared with the year before.

A preliminary report released by the service shows there were 247 deaths of people experiencing homelessness last year.

Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe says many homeless people are facing significant health concerns, including physical disabilities, mental-health challenges and substance-use issues.

The report says 93 per cent of all accidental deaths among people experiencing homelessness were caused by the illicit drug supply.

The coroners service says an average of 153 homeless people have died between 2016 and 2020.

The release of the report coincides with Homelessness Action Week in B.C.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Shooting inside a South Surrey residence leaves man injured, victim not expected to survive

Frontline officers attended and located an injured 33-year-old man. The victim was transported to hospital and due to the serious nature of his injuries is not expected to survive.

Shooting inside a South Surrey residence leaves man injured, victim not expected to survive

Tax hikes for big banks expected in budget

Brian Porter called a tax hike that's widely expected to be included in Thursday's budget a “knee-jerk reaction that sends the wrong message to the global investment community."

Tax hikes for big banks expected in budget

B.C. officer stabbed, but recovering from wounds

Police say when the officer was speaking to the complainant, the man fled into the home and the officer was stabbed after he followed. The release says the officer was able to take the man, who was known to the complainant, into custody and drive himself and the suspect to hospital.

B.C. officer stabbed, but recovering from wounds

Fugitive back in custody after causing multi-car collision

A Vancouver Police officer was patrolling near Main Street and Terminal Avenue when he attempted to stop a vehicle that was allegedly driven by a 29-year-old man with 10 Canada-wide warrants, including charges for firearms and drug trafficking.

Fugitive back in custody after causing multi-car collision

Liberals ready another budget under cloudy outlook

Three-decade-high inflation rates may climb further. Unemployment is low, but labour shortages are widespread. Housing prices continue to rise at paces not seen in years.

Liberals ready another budget under cloudy outlook

One dead in Surrey apartment building fire

Surrey RCMP were called to the building on 107a Ave. near King George Blvd. at about 8:20 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found a lower floor suite fully engulfed in flames, and began evacuating the building.